Afghanistan Facts

by countryaah · Published June 3, 2019 · Updated April 25, 2020

Afghanistan, Southwestern Asian State; 650,000 km², 37.2 million residents (2019).However, the population data is very uncertain. In a census in 1979, the resident population was estimated at about 13 million, to which should be added about 2.5 million nomads. The capital is Kabul (4 million residents, 2018).

Country facts

Jumhūrī-ye Afghānistān (dari)
Da Afghānestān Jamhuriyat (pashto) / Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Country abbreviation: AF
Area: 650 000 km²
Population (2019): 37.2 million residents
Capital: Kabul
Main languages: pashto, dari (Persian)
State: Republic
Head of State and Head of Government: Ashraf Ghani
Per capita GDP (2018): US $ 521
GNI per capita (2018): US $ 550
Currency unit: 1 Afghan = 100 pulse
Currency code: AFA
Country number (telephony): 93
Internet domain name: af
Time difference compared to Sweden: +3.5
National Day: August 19 (Independence Day, 1919)

Nature

Land use: forest (3%), agricultural land (12%), other (85%)
Highest mountain: Nowshak (7,690 m above sea level)

Population

Population density (2019): 57 residents per km²
Natural population growth (2019): 2.6%; birth number 33 ‰, death number 7 ‰
Age structure (2019): 0-14 years (44%), 15-64 (53%), 65- (3%)
Life expectancy (2019): men 63 years, women 66 years
Infant mortality (2019): 53 per 1,000 live births
Population forecast 2050: 71 million residents
HDI (2017): 0.498 (place 168 of 189)
Urbanization rate (2019): 25%
Most populous city (2018): Kabul (4 million residents)

Business

Industry’s contribution to GDP (2016): agriculture (23%), industry (21%), service (56%)
Exports (2017): US $ 784 million
Main export products: opium, fruit, carpets
Main exporting countries: India, Pakistan
Imports (2017): US $ 7,616 million
Main import products: machinery, food
Main importing countries: China, Iran, Pakistan
Railway network: nothing in operation

Afghanistan is a distinct mountain landscape in southwestern Asia. The most dominant mountain range is Hindukush, which extends in the form of a powerful barrier (with the highest point 7,690 m above sea level). Only in the far north and south-west are lower areas of plain and plateau nature. The climate is largely a steppe climate with large temperature differences between summer and winter and between day and night. The rainfall is generally low.

The country has a strong tradition of local self-government based on family dynasties, tribal leadership and deep-rooted opposition to central government. In 2004, a new constitution was adopted that paved the way for the country’s first general elections that year.

Afghanistan is one of the world’s poorest countries, and the dominant industries are agriculture, livestock, crafts and trade. As a result of the devastation of the war, business is suffering from enormous problems and relies on considerable foreign aid to recover. The country is the world’s largest producer of opium.